Mollie Smith of the Ozark Rape Crisis Center was a guest on Harrison’s Original KHOZ’s Around The Table on October 13. ORCC serves victims of sexual violence in Boone, Newton, Carroll, Marion, and Searcy counties. Smith is the advocacy services coordinator at the Harrison office.
ORCC aids victims of sexual violence in getting the help they need, such as navigating the criminal justice system and receiving medical assistance. Smith went on to say that one of the hardest things for a victim of sexual violence to do is to come forward for the help they need.
Statistics show that one in three women are a victim of sexual violence, and one in six men as well. ORCC serves individuals at any point of a crisis. Smith said that individuals can receive help no matter how long ago the sexual violence occurred. Members of ORCC have undergone training on how trauma affects the brain, including dealing with PTSD. Smith noted no one reacts to trauma in the same way as anyone else.
Volunteers and advocates for ORCC initially receive twenty hours of training, which they can do at their own pace. Ongoing training is also offered through the center. Smith said the biggest thing those at the center can do is be be patient and listen to people who have dealt with sexual violence.
Each person who serves at the center is a mandated reporter, though anyone can call the hotline anonymously. The hotline is open twenty-four hours a day and can be reached at 870-741-4141.
For more information, visit ozarkrapecrisiscenter.org.
